PopCom-Caraga, partner agencies reveal nominees
for 100 millionth baby
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – The Commission on
Population (PopCom) Caraga headed by regional director Alexander Makinano
visited on Monday the Butuan Medical Center and Rural Health Unit in Barangay
Tolosa, Cabadbran City, where the two babies who are nominees for the Search
for 100 Millionth Pinoy were born respectively on July 27, 2014.
Along with PopCom are the personnel of
Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Caraga, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and
some of the local media partners.
Jonathan Rudado, 22 years old and Cherry Rudado,
21, are the happy parents of the baby girl born at 1:04 a.m. on July 27, 2014
at the Butuan Medical Center. The baby girl, whose name is yet to be decided by
the parents is candidate for the Search for 100 Millionth Pinoy representing
Butuan City. Director Makinano personally handed-over the starter kits to the
parents, witnessed by the physicians and patients of said health facility.
"My husband and I were surprised when we
were informed by PopCom personnel that our baby is among those chosen
candidates for the 100 Millionth Baby in Caraga… We are so glad to receive the
starter kits from PopCom today and happy to hear what the government will
provide for our baby. Thank you also to PhilHealth for letting us avail of the
free newborn screening," expressed Mrs. Rudado.
Another parents in Purok-8 Brgy. Tolosa,
Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte was identified by PopCom, namely: Marietes
Caubay Jabonillo (mother) and Ariel Pasibong Damasco, both are 26 years old,
who are also very happy that their newly-born baby girl named “Arhea Mae” was
chosen among the nominees for the said search in Caraga region. The mother gave
birth at the Rural Health Unit of Cabadbaran at 1:02 a.m. on July 27. It is her
third baby on a normal delivery weighing 2.9 kilos.
“We are so happy to receive the starter kit from
PopCom and we were informed by PhilHealth that they will give free newborn
screening and other services to our baby girl. This is a very big help to us
and a blessing. Thank you to our government agencies for this effort,”
articulated Damasco.
Also, Makinano revealed that a baby was born at
12:03 a.m. on July 27, 2014 in Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, however, the required
time for one to be declared as the country's 100 Millionth Baby is 12:06 a.m.
and beyond. "We were not able to get the title since we lack three more
minutes to qualify. The baby was born earlier at 12:03 a.m.," he
disclosed.
"This is a symbolic 100 Millionth Baby in
Agusan del Norte and Butuan City among other provinces in Caraga that we
visited today since a baby who was born somewhere in NCR was already declared
as the country's 100 Millionth Baby... We will monitor these babies and in
coordination with other partner government agencies, we will provide services
to the babies to help them grow well and healthy," added Makinano.
It was also learned that there are six
baby-nominees from the differerent provinces of Caraga for the said search,
which include the two babies in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City.
Makinano further bared that the search was
initiated to let the world know that despite the growing population in the
country, the government is doing its best to provide the programs and services
for the welfare of the masses, and for the babies that they may grow well and
healthy. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga Math wizards gear up to contend for
international competitions
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – The three pupils
from two different schools in Caraga region who have been chosen by the
Mathematics Development Academy of the
Philippines handled by the Mathematics Trainer’s Guild (MTG) are now primed and
in full preparation to vie with perseverance
in the 2014 International Mathematics Competitions (IMC) on August 1-4
to be held in Singapore.
Math wizards
Raul Joshua Limbaga and Eysa Velle Garcia, pupils from Butuan City
Special Education (SPED) Center, and Jules Ivan Cunanan of San Francisco SPED
Learning Center, Agusan del Sur are placed in the best position to comprise the
Philippine Team in the said prestigious international level competition.
Getting the exceptional opportunity to take the
challenge in facing the battle with the bests in Mathematics from across
countries, the three have undergone training and reviews inspite of their
hectic academic schedules hoping and praying to bring home the bacon.
Principal of Butuan City SPED Center Restituto
Navarro said that the school has lived up to enhancing the knowledge and skills
of its learners in all areas of development, thus, continually producing
globally-competitive pupils.
“This is not just about winning a competition,
it is about cultivating future users of Mathematics, Mathematics researchers,
and individuals who simply enjoy their inclination in the subject matter in
general,” said Navarro.
In a separate competition, Marie Katerina Grace
Aala of same school is set to fly to Kaohseong, Taiwan on August 9-12 to join
the highly regarded World Math Invitational Competition.
Also, the school was able to send Eugo Zendo
Asunto to the Asia Pacific Math Cup/King of Mathematics in Hongkong on June 28 to
July 1, 2014 where he garnered silver and bronze medals. Both Joie Anne Marie
Magdalera and Justin Joy Conde also received the merit prizes.
For the China Math Cup/Asia Cup held on July
18-22, 2014 in Hongkong, Bensan John Dagani and Shiloh Ruth Sasuman of Butuan
City SPED Center have proudly received the silver and bronze medals for their
well deserved efforts.
Moreover, gifted pupils, namely, Simon Autor and
Ambruce James Torreon of Father Saturnino Urios University and Rainbow of
Angels School, all in Butuan City, respectively have brought home bronze medals
and merit awards.
Agusan National high School students Patricia
Radaza and William Hangad, on the other hand, also reaped silver and bronze
medals each.
Meanwhile, the city government of Butuan through
mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. promised to provide a monetary assistance in the
amount of P39,000. Likewise, Agusan del Norte 1st District representative
Lawrence Lemuel Fortun will give P10,000 as a support for the processing fee
and travel expenses abroad of the contingents. Other good-hearted private
individuals have benevolently granted financial aid to the contestants who
personally seek for extra sponsorship for them to surely represent the country
and experience this significant journey despite constraint in economic status.
“We believe that this amount could make a worthy
contribution to the outstanding achievement of these pupils by helping them
pursue and proceed to the competition venue,” said Navarro.
MTG
Philippines’ international contest committee chairman Eduardo dela Cruz, Ed.
D., bared that “our young mathematicians’ participation is one that will bring
much pride and honor to our country as they are counted as among those smart
math-gifted Filipino students to carry the Philippine banner into the
competition arena.”
Dela Cruz said, the contest will be another
enriching experience where the competitors can explore possibilities beneficial
to the enhancement of their mathematical ability and giftedness. “They also can
have the best opportunity to meet friendly contenders and feel the exciting
bonding during the social and cultural events,” he added.
Completely supportive with this endeavor, the
teachers of the contestants are giving utmost consideration by allowing them to
be excused from the classes and be given the needed requirements to make up
their marks especially on those days that they will be competing overseas.
Adding up the moral and spiritual support of
their parents, these potential students will certainly run the whole race with
confidence and go home victorious for taking the challenge. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
DTI celebrates 33 years of public service from
customers, partners
By David M. Suyao
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, July 28 (PIA) -
Warm wishes for the best in the years to come while hoping for more blessings
from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were all gifts offered by the
recipients of projects and partners in public service as their deep expression
of DTI’s unfailing support as it celebrates its 33rd year of public service
today at the DTI provincial office here.
Receiving the facilities for meat fabrication
out of the Shared Service Facility program of the DTI, Prosperidad Mayor Albin
Magdamit said they will be the first municipality in Agusan del Sur to produce
quality and choice cut meat while being proud to be a first class slaughter house
in the province with the facilities given to them by the DTI.
“For everybody to know, I am very excited to
come here and receive the facilities and equipments from DTI in spite of my
schedules calendared for today. The granting of these facilities is very timely
because our new public market will be operating soonest possible and we are
very glad to have these facilities that can make us unique in other markets
province-wide,” Mayor Magdamit said.
Faith Aurora Dicang of the Hugpong sa Organikong
Pagpanguma ug Edukasyon (HOPE) also said she cannot almost believe that after
their casual meeting with DTI Agusan del Sur director Lolita Dorado, they could
acquire technology and expand their organic fertilizer production and was very
proud to announce to all those who attended the 33rd Anniversary of DTI that
they have also expanded their market.
Relating how his connection with DTI started and
how they work together, Rev. Solomon Bilaoen said he never regret being a
partner of DTI for 21 years. “From cut flower business, down to business
matching when I became the chairman of the Agusan del Sur Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Foundation, until we organized the Bantay Presyo, a monitoring
team for consumers’ welfare, we enjoy having DTI Agusan del Sur as partner,”
Rev. Bilaoen said.
During today’s celebration, DTI Agusan del Sur
have signed Memorandum of Agreement with Dacutan Bag Manufacturing for their
productivity enhancement project receiving facilities and equipment from DTI;
with SAFRAADAP E-Bamboo Slats and Materials Processing; Coco Sugar Processing
and Meat Fabrication of Prosperidad. DTI also turned-over today equipments for
Cut Flower growers and the HOPE some very useful facilities like the tents and
tools.
“Before, we are looking forward that our efforts
will be rewarded, and here we are now, starting to receive from DTI government
support to improve our economic condition,” HOPE adviser Aurora Ticang said.
(DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
BSP to hold Fin-Ed Expo in Butuan
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – In line with the
trust of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to promote consumer protection
and financial education (Fin-Ed) to its stakeholders, the Financial Consumer
Affairs Group (FCAG) will conduct a Fin-Ed Expo for the working group in the
city on November 19, 2014.
According to Atty. Prudence Angelita A. Kasala,
deputy director and head of BSP, the Fin-Ed Expo is a whole day interactive
financial learning activity aims to install awareness about the availability
and accessibility of financial education programs to all Filipinos.
Also, the event will increase personal financial
consciousness on the values and benefits of being financially empowered; and
orient public about the available financial tools that will help in the
promotion of their financial well being, said Kasala.
The Fin-Ed Expo, according to Kasala will mainly
feature five interactive learning booths covering topics on Philippine
Financial System, Personal Finance, Financial Products, Financial Regulations,
and Primer Hub.
Kasala also said, representatives of the
Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), and the Insurance Commission (IC) will man the Financial
Regulations Booth.
The Primer Hub will provide the participants
with advisories and primers that supplement the information gained from the
lectures and reinforce their learning experiences, Kasala added.
(NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
BSP orients Bislig stakeholders on new banknotes
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 28 (PIA) –
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted an orientation about the
security features of the New Generation Philippine Banknotes to various
stakeholders in the city.
The orientation, facilitated by Jetzer Tan of
BSP Corporate Affairs Office, and Zandy Estoy of BSP-CDO, is part of the
agency’s public information campaign about the country’s new peso bills, said
Laine Elechicon of Bislig City Information Office.
“The purpose of this campaign is to inform our
people of the importance of safeguarding and preventing the spread of
counterfeit or fake money," said Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro.
In a press statement released from the BSP, the
present banknotes will remain in circulation and will continue to be accepted
as legal tender for at least three more years. Based on previous currency
retirement or demonetization program of the BSP, this will give enough time for
the public accordingly to make a full transition to the new generation
currency, wherein a separate schedule will be followed for coins.
Banknotes of the Philippine peso are made of
durable paper, principally composed 80% cotton and 20% abaca issued by the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) for circulation
in the country. (NGBT with reports from Bislig City Information
office/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Surigao Norte Provincial Community Training
Center inaugurated
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 28 (PIA) -
The provincial government of Surigao del Norte finally attained its desire to
provide high quality technical and vocational education for its constituents
with the opening of the newly constructed Provincial Community Training Center
(PCTC) building in the province.
The new PCTC building has an office building
worth P1 million and planning/carpentry/masonry worth P1.2 million donated by
Platinum Gold Metals Corp. (PGMC); lecture building worth P6.7 million from
Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. (THPAL); welding building worth P1.2 million from
Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC); electrical/installation/maintenance building worth
P1.2 million donated by Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC); and a 2-storey dormitory
building worth P10.8 million from Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group of Companies
and Philex-Silangan Mindanao Mining Corporation.
The formal opening and inauguration was held on
Friday, July 25, 2014 at Sta. Cruz, Placer, this province. Leading the
unveiling of mother marker and ceremonial cutting of chain were Commission on
Appointments vice chairman and congressman Mel Sarmiento, Technical Education
and Skills Development (TESDA) deputy director-general Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua,
Surigao del Norte 1st district congressman Francisco T. Matugas, governor Sol
F. Matugas, vice gov. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr, board member Myrna M. Romarate,
Placer mayor Felimon V. Napuli, Surigao City mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, and
presidents and CEOs of THPAL Nickel Corp, TMC, PGMC, HMC and Philex-Silangan
Mindanao Mining Corp.
TESDA deputy director-general Pascua, in his
message, lauded the provincial government thru Gov. Matugas for a very laudable
effort and accomplishments in giving livelihood programs and employment
opportunities for her constituents.
Meanwhile, Sarmiento congratulated Gov. Matugas
and the presidents and representatives of the mining companies who contributed
to the landmark achievement of providing economic opportunities in the
province.
“This is a clear and tangible manifestation that
Private-Public Partnership (PPP) really works in the province of Surigao del
Norte,” Sarmiento said.
On her part, Governor Matugas said that the
structure was conceived from the desire to attain the inclusive well-being of
all her constituents thru empowerment and making them globally-competitive by
giving them high quality technical and vocational education.
Municipal mayors from different municipalities
of the province, board members, heads and representatives of different national
line agencies, provincial department heads, teachers, students, barangay
captains and local government employees witnessed the blessing and inauguration
of the said building. (SDR-PIA-Surigao del Norte)
July posts highest, costliest fire incidence in
SurSur
TANDAG CITY, July 28 (PIA) – Aside from having
the highest, the costliest fire incidences have also been posted during this
month of July for the first half of 2014 in Surigao del Sur, according to the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) under Acting Provincial Fire Marshall Insp.
Rowella Dinolan.
Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) Rogelio Secarro,
Operations Section chief of the BFP Provincial Office, bared that of the total
five fire occurrences provincewide, three have broken out within this month of
July.
He also told that except for the fire incident
in Madrid town, the two that happened in Barobo town and Bislig City were the
costliest—at P1,250,000 and P19,000,000, respectively.
Secarro likewise reported that both fire
incidents in the said places have burned down school buildings—Barobo Central
Elementary School and Andres Soriano College (ASC). (NGBT/Radyo ng
Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
PNP reiterates readiness for SONA security in
SurSur
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, July 28 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur
Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero reiterated the readiness of the police in
carrying out the security plan set for today in time for the scheduled State of
the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III.
He said that all units have also been reminded
of maximum tolerance especially that protest rallies by some leftist groups are
expected to take place.
It will be recalled that last week, Verdadero
has already issued the same order to prevent any untoward incident to happen.
Meanwhile, he confirmed the five-day Suspension
of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) being observed effective “12:00 noon of
July 27, 2014 to 12:00 noon of Friday, August 1, 2014” based on the memorandum
issued on July 27, 2014 by no less than Chief PNP.
The said SOPO covers the “six municipalities of
Surigao del Norte, namely: Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Claver, and
Alegria; and the three municipalities of Agusan del Norte, namely: Kitcharao,
Jabonga, and Santiago.”
It was learned that such step was taken in order
to secure the proposed safe release on July 29 of the four PNP members, who
have been held captive by the NPA since July 10 after the Alegria Municipal
Police Station (MPS) was overrun by rebels. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao
del Sur)
NPA to turn over four cops to Roxas
MANILA, July 28 (PIA) - Interior and Local
Government Secretary Mar Roxas will fly to Mindanao tomorrow (July 29) to
ensure the safe release of four police officers held captive by the New
People’s Army (NPA) after a rebel raid on the Alegria municipal police station
in Surigao del Norte last July 10.
“Kung kinakailangang pumasok sa kampo ng NPA,
gagawin natin para masiguro lang na makukuha nating ligtas ang mga pulis na
hawak nila ngayon,” Roxas said.
The DILG chief, however, refused to give details
of the release, saying the specific location and mechanics were still being
worked out by negotiators from the government and the National Democratic Front
(NDF).
“Inaayos na lamang ang ilang detalye pero nangako
sila (NDF) sa akin na palalayain nila ang mga bihag na pulis bukas. Kaya nga
pupunta mismo ako sa Mindanao para masigurong makukuha natin ang mga pulis at
maibalik sila sa kanilang mga pamilya,” Roxas explained.
Negotiations for the safe release of the four
police officers scored a major breakthrough after Roxas secured the commitment
of the NDF to free their captives once the military and police agree to a
five-day ceasefire in six towns of Surigao del Norte.
Suriago del Norte Governor Sol Matugas told
Roxas that he has no objection to the deal won by the DILG Secretary, who took
the initiative of seeking the release of PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel
Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino from the NDF leadership in
Mindanao under Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos.
“We have talked with the NDF about the release
of the four policemen since the NDF scrubbed the turnover scheduled for June
25,” said Roxas, adding that “the NDF in North Eastern Mindanao Region
(NDF-NEMR) has decided to reduce substantially their conditions for the safe
release of the four police officers.”
Roxas said the NDFP-NEMR initially sought a 10
day-ceasefire of military and police operations in Surigao City and 14
municipalities in the mainland of Surigao del Norte before the policemen are
released.
Eventually, he noted, the NDF reduced the
ceasefire period to six days covering only six municipalities in the mainland
of Surigao del Norte.
“On Saturday, July 26, the NDF-NEMR informed
Sec. Roxas through an emissary that the NPA units holding the four policemen
are amenable in releasing their captives if government security forces will
agree on a five-day ceasefire covering six towns in Surigao del Norte, namely
Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Alegria and Claver,” said Matugas in a press
statement released last Sunday.
“Given these developments and in utmost regard
of the overriding and paramount consideration on the life and security of the
four captured policemen and the welfare of their respective families, the
Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) poses no objection to a temporary
ceasefire between government security forces and NPA units for five days
covering the above-mentioned municipalities of Surigao del Norte,” she added.
“I am grateful that the timely intervention of
Sec. Roxas, who has closely coordinated with the PCMC, has largely contributed to the resolution of
the crisis situation in ensuring that the four police officers will be freed
safely and reunited with their families the soonest time possible,” Matugas
stressed.
“I expect the NDF to abide by their commitment
to release the four policemen immediately after government security forces
reciprocated the proposed temporary ceasefire,” she concluded.
Roxas and Matugas also appealed to the NDF to be
committed to the pursuit of genuine peace and holistic development through a
participative process and coordinated efforts.
They also reiterated they are committed to the
peaceful means of resolving the issues that had hindered the negotiations
between the NDF and the Aquino administration. (DILG/PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano News: Buhatan sa
City Social Welfare and Development mibutyag sa ilang 2014 accomplishments
SURIGAO CITY, Hulyo 28
(PIA) - Pipila ka mga programa ug proyekto karong tuiga alang sa mga Surigaonon
malamposong naakomplisar sa buhatan sa City Social Welfare and Development.
Sumala ni Gloria
Salvador ang Acting Social Welfare and Development Officer nga sa mga nakalabay
nga bulan karong tuiga nahimong malamposon ang ilang mga nagkadaiyang proyekto
ug programa nga gipasiugdahan sa ilang buhatan kabahin na niini mao ang
pag-akreditar sa mikabat 34 ka mga Day Care Workers ug Day Care Centers ubos sa
ECCD Program, pag-inagurar sa upat ka mga Day Care Centers dinhi sa syudad
lakip na niini ang Brgy. Libuac, Zaragoza, Day- asan ug San Juan.
Sumala pa ni Gemina nga
lima ka mga Day Care Workers ang nakadawat ug pahalipay nagkantidad P5,000.00
pesos ug Plaque of Appreciation gikan sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa syudad pinaagi ni City Mayor Ernesto
Matugas atol sa gipahigayon nga 1st Day Care Workers Summit didto sa Butuan
City.
Dugang pa ni Gemina nga
mikabat usab sa 6,629 ka mga pamilya ang nahimong benipisyaryo sa 4P’s
(Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) karong tuiga.
(SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
